GREECE AND PATIENCE

ACROPOLIS FROM ABOVE

Living in Greece, I noticed that Greeks are very impatient about things I considered not worth getting upset about, and extremely patient about things I thought were worthy of impatience (like being on time, government services, garbage disposal, riots).

I am, by nature, an impatient person.  Anyone who really knows me, knows this! ;0)

FIGHTING BACK--AT LAST!

One of the greatest challenges to my impatience was living abroad.  Everything seems so different.  If you don't adapt, remain or become flexible, cool down, and change perspectives, your impatience can ruin wonderful experiences, create more stress, and can even be dangerous.

After "banging my head against the wall" many times, I slowly began to let go.  I let go of trying to control situations and others.  I stopped judging so much.  I actually became (in comparison to before, at least!) LAID BACK.  Yes, it IS possible to change!

Do I still lose patience from time to time--yyyyeeessss!  But I've learned to be patient with myself for not being perfect and get over it faster.  (If you aren't an overachieving, perfectionist, type "A" personality...impatience is probably not an issue for you.  You may need to learn to be less patient!  ;0)

I'm very grateful for my experiences living in other environments and cultures.  Learning more patience was just one reward of challenging myself to change and grow in my travels and living as an expat.